Commercial litigation: mid-market

Gowling WLG

‘A go-to firm for mid-tier commercial litigation matters’, Gowling WLG’s practice is highly experienced in large international and domestic commercial disputes, in particular in the Chancery and Commercial Courts. The team’s core practice areas are post-M&A claims, and shareholder, supply chain, and corporate control and joint venture disputes. It also routinely acts in royalty and termination-related claims. The firm’s sector expertise covers automotive, aerospace, life sciences, financial services, and food and beverage. James Sidwell is ’exactly the person clients want in command of complex litigation‘. Catherine Naylor focuses on complex multi-jurisdictional cases and Andrew Smith’s caseload encompasses contract terminations, economic torts, legal professional privilege, misfeasance and guarantees. The second line of experienced practitioners includes ‘exceptional litigator’ Tom Cox, a specialist in automotive, aviation, energy and life sciences-related disputes. Verity Barker represents trustees, fiduciaries and multinational companies in negligence actions and asset recovery matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Strong technical and commercially focused team that is always available to act quickly and efficiently to protect clients’ interests. Clients are always confident in their advice, as well as their strategies and tactics to both defend and pursue litigation.’
‘Super-fast response times make them a go-to firm for mid-tier commercial litigation matters, especially where there is some genuine urgency. In particular, they have huge experience in big cases and acting for big clients.’
‘Andrew Smith is one of a handful of top-class litigation partners in the UK and can handle any litigation of whatever size and complexity with ease.’
‘Samantha Holland is an encyclopedia of insurance law and has great judgement.’
‘James Sidwell is a powerful combination - he has great legal knowledge, excellent judgement, and strong analytical skills, but he is also a gifted leader and communicator. He takes time to understand his clients, but also (and this is rare) to look after his team. Exactly the person clients want in command of complex litigation.’
‘Catherine Naylor is an excellent partner - calm, knows her strengths, and happy to fight hard to win.’
‘Verity Barker is a crucial member of the team. She has complete command of the detail, is extremely disciplined, cool under pressure, determined, and exceptionally thorough. Nothing falls through the cracks when Verity is on the case.’
‘Tom Cox is an exceptional litigator. His down-to-earth and focused advice, coupled with a clear enthusiasm for the matters at hand, ooze confidence and excellent client care. One to watch.’

Key clients

THG
Mitral Holdco
Equity Trust (Jersey)
DCI Advisors
M Group Holdings
Aston Martin Lagonda
CPC Group
Reino Capital
Financial Reporting Council
GKN
Halfords Autocentres
Hyundai Motor UK
Midcounties Co-Operative
Millbrook Healthcare Bidco
Cairngorm Capital
National Car Parks
Sanctuary Housing
Weetabix

Work highlights

Acted for THG and 14 other respondents, who successfully defeated in its entirety at first instance (and in the Court of Appeal) an application to re-introduce over £100m-plus of shareholder claims that had previously been struck out.
Successfully defeated hard-fought claims for breach of directors' duties against Equity Trust (Jersey) and one of its former employees, following a full trial in the Chancery Division.
Achieved a confidential settlement in a complex shareholder dispute for two clients in the media sector (Adam Smith and Dan Finch).